Regional

2:08 pm

Sat September 5, 2009

Music Delayed By Contract Talks

New Mexico – The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra has delayed the start of the season because management and union musicians have yet to reach a new contract.NMSO president and CEO Eric Meyer said Friday it was a difficult decision to delay the season but the orchestra would not be able to pay musicians under the provisions of the expired contract because of the orchestra's financial situation.Meyer says tight credit and investment losses have strained the budget.NMSO had anticipated a deficit of at least $500,000 for the past fiscal year. Meyer says that has ballooned to over $900,000 due to the recession's impact on fundraising.The contract covers compensation, benefits and work rules. The musicians and management began bargaining discussions for a new agreement in July.